HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS LACROSSE: Determined Cole helps PDS over Hightstown in MCT opener

PRINCETON — As a talented three-sport athlete Zeeza Cole is very familiar with the Mercer County Tournament.

As a senior, though, this year’s girl’s lacrosse tournament has some added meaning.

“This being my final tournament makes me go harder each day,” said Cole, after her three goals helped Princeton Day score a 12-2 win over Hightstown yesterday in the opening round of the MCT on PDS’ Smoyer Field.

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“I have nothing to lose and it is so true right now,” added Cole. “During tournament time I try to play in the moment. Each game is so important at this time because you lose and you go home. This is my last chance, it’s my last one.”

The Panthers (6-6), who are the sixth seed, will now await the winner of today’s No. 14 Lawrence at No. 3 Princeton game. No. 11 Hightstown (4-7), which battled all the way, will now move to the consolation bracket.

“It was nice to get have a game like this,” said Princeton Day coach Jill Thomas. “It’s nice for the seniors.”

It was a pair of seniors, Hannah Levy and Cole sparking the Panthers.

Levy had four goals, Cole three with an assist and a sophomore Morgan Foster had two goals and two assists. Three juniors, Sarah Brennan, Lexi Fairman and Lucy Linville all tallied single goals.

The Rams got goals from Jenny Hill and Tina Mongiello.

Hightstown took the second half draw and Hill took it to the goal and it looked like the Rams were going to make a run. The PDS defense had another idea and held the attack in check.

“We did a good job getting some turnovers,” said Rams coach Nichole Tomasello. “We’re going to keep working hard to improve and I’m been very happy with the senior leadership on this team.”

Cole, who is headed to Princeton next fall, is beginning to cherish each moment of every game.

“Each game gets harder and harder to finish,” said Cole. “Because you know it is getting closer to the end. But, it really pushes me and I think all the seniors feel the same way.”

It showed in the opening five-goal run that the Panthers put together as either, Cole or Levy had a hand in four of the five.

The Rams got on the board at the 7:35 mark and PDS responded with four more to take a 9-1 advantage into the intermission.

“I liked how we got out of the gate,’’ said Thomas. “I liked our quick efficient passing up and down the field. We took care of the ball. The defense set the tone early. They had some great doubles and it set the tone early.’’

While Cole, Levy and Foster were handling most of the offense it was Mary Travers and Cami McNeely leading the defense. Sarah Trigg was solid in the cage with seven saves.

For Cole and the seniors this is their final MCT and it got off to a great start.